Mumbai 2 September : Former India cricketer Rohan Gavaskar believes that the opener K.L Rahul continues to bat the manner he performed in the Asia Cup Group A match against Hong Kong, then a change could be in the cards in the opening line-up.In India’s 40-run victory against Hong Kong at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, Rahul was a far shadow of his effortless self.In a slow field as well with Hong Kong bowlers operating at a slower rate, Rahul struggled to time the ball, despite two sixes in an exhausting 39-ball 36, which included 16 dots balls.
In the match on Sunday against Pakistan, Rahul chopped on for an early duck, a first-time pacer Naseem Shah.
“Look at me, you know, I believe that he’s returning from an injury that lasted a long time layoff.
He didn’t have many chances in the West Indies (didn’t travel due to Covid-19).And I’m sure it’s a good idea to take Wednesday’s (yesterday’s) innings in isolation, and you look at your face and say”okay, I’ll tell you, the 36 of 39 balls against Hong Kong seems to be slow’.”
“But I believe in this situation, the team’s management would have told Gavaskar that this was an opportunity to take a bit of an opportunity to hit for free”, because, you know that 999 times out of 1000 you’ll beat Hong Kong.This was an example of free-hit by saying ‘K.
L take your time Get ready and get a feel for the middle in the middle, and we’ll check out what happens’,” Gavaskar told Gavaskar on the ‘Sports Over The Top’ on Sports18.
Rahul has been playing in T20Is for India for the first time this year during the Asia Cup, after a long absence caused by an amalgamation of injuries and surgery, as well as the Covid-19 infection.
With only a few days left in the men’s T20 World Cup coming in Australia, Rahul needs to find his groove again in order to play in the squad of 15 players.
“If he continues to bat as he was in Wednesday’s (yesterday’s) game I believe we could see a bit of an alteration.
However, I believe (on) Wednesday (yesterday) there may have been a suggestion from the team’s management team saying don’t be concerned about strike rates in this particular match.Focus on taking time in the middle in the middle, getting some runs and building up some confidence.We all know that a confident K.L Rahul is a great asset to the side.” Gavaskar added.Gavaskar.
After winning the Group A in Asia Cup 2022 by winning matches against Pakistan and Hong Kong, India have advanced into the Super Four stage and are scheduled for their next match on Sunday.
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